WHO, NCDC, others say everyone at risk of mpox

Experts in infectious disease management have cautioned that the mpox virus poses a risk to everyone, urging individuals to implement preventative measures.

The zoonotic disease which has resulted in 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths across 13 African countries in 2024, has affected a wide range of people, regardless of age, Patrick Ramadan, team lead, acute events management, WHO African Region said on Thursday.

Mpox, formerly monkey pox, is an infectious disease that originates from animals and spreads to human, the expert said, noting that it is usually characterised by three major symptoms: fever, swelling of lymphoid and lesions.

While most people recover, some develop severe illness and a few people who develop complications die, Ramadan explained.

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“In the DRC, we have two transmission patterns. There are areas where we have had predominantly zoonotic transmission, that is people who come in contact with infected or sick animals that died from the virus and then introduce the virus into households. So, we have amplification of transmission. We have also had sustained human to human transmission. It is the mixture of the two,” said during a virtual interview on mpox.

Nigeria has recorded a total of 39 confirmed without death across 19 states since the beginning of 2024, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Jide Idris, NCDC’s director-general said Bayelsa, Cross-River, Lagos, Ogun, Enugu, Ondo and Ebonyi are the strongholds of the current outbreak, during an interview with Channels TV.

The disease expert said the mpox virus people must avoid ill animals including rodents, squirrels and monkeys or use the services of veterinarians for adequate care.

“This is an animal disease that infects human beings. It is essential to avoid contact with an infected animal or human. If you are caring for that person, ensure that you are well protected. If you have animals that look ill, the best is take them to the vet for careful treatment,” Idris said.

According to Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO director of Epidemic and Pandemic and Prevention, who is most at risk is different from who may develop severe disease.

She said individuals coming in contact with infected people with symptoms are most at risk, noting that the current upsurge has recorded transmissions in households and sexual networks.

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In terms of severe disease, she explained that people who have underlying conditions, with compromised immune system may have the worst outcomes if infected by mpox virus.

“The main thing is really to avoid close contact with somebody who has mpox. This can happen within families. People should cover lesion and be taken cared of if they have mpox. The other thing is that if someone is symptomatic, they need to avoid having sex,” Kerkhove said.

Ibrahim Kida, a professor of infectious disease and clinical immunology said high risk people include those with low immunity, HIV, pregnant women and children, in a televised interview.

Vivian Kwaghe, an infectious disease consultant explained that person to person transmission can occur if someone comes in contact with body fluids, clothing of someone that has mpox.

Rufai Gabar acting director of National Primary Health Development Agency advised Nigerians to cook their food properly, especially meat.

He added that some doses of mpox vaccines are currently with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for testing as part of efforts to contain the outbreak.

He also urged people to visit the nearest health facility, where health workers have been trained on what to do.